Among Tenerife’s most severely affected beaches, Porís de Abona stands out as a hotspot for plastic pollution, according to a detailed study by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). This beach has become a reminder of the escalating global plastic crisis.
The Research Behind the Revelation
In collaboration with the Centro Oceanográfico de Canarias, ULPGC researchers conducted a year-long investigation, sampling eight beaches across Tenerife. Their findings, published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin, revealed consistent patterns of plastic accumulation, with Porís de Abona showing the highest levels of contamination. A staggering 28,000 microplastic particles per square metre were recorded at this site in a single sampling session.
This research highlights the vulnerability of the Canary Islands to marine debris, exacerbated by the Canary Current, which carries waste from the northern Atlantic. As plastics are drawn to the islands’ north-facing beaches, they accumulate in huge quantities, disrupting marine ecosystems and endangering wildlife.
A Glimpse Beneath the Surface
The issue isn’t limited to visible debris. Microplastics—tiny fragments often invisible to the naked eye—pose a significant threat to marine life. These particles, typically between 2 and 10 millimetres in size, originate from larger plastic items breaking down over time. Marine creatures often mistake microplastics for food, leading to starvation, poisoning, and even death.
Studies, including those by Herrera et al. (2018) and Rapp et al. (2020), have highlighted the nature of plastic pollution in the Canary Islands. They show that marine debris not only affects coastal areas but also infiltrates the food chain, with potential repercussions for human health.
The issue isn’t limited to visible debris. Microplastics—tiny fragments often invisible to the naked eye—pose a significant threat to marine life. These particles, typically between 2 and 10 millimetres in size, originate from larger plastic items breaking down over time. Marine creatures often mistake microplastics for food, leading to starvation, poisoning, and even death.
Studies, including those by Herrera et al. (2018) and Rapp et al. (2020), have highlighted the nature of plastic pollution in the Canary Islands. They show that marine debris not only affects coastal areas but also infiltrates the food chain, with potential repercussions for human health.
Why Porís de Abona?
Porís de Abona’s north-eastern orientation makes it particularly susceptible to ocean currents that funnel debris towards its shores. Despite being less frequented by tourists, this beach has become a highlight of the global plastic problem. The high levels of contamination at Porís serve as a wake-up call, urging immediate action to address the sources and consequences of marine plastic pollution.
What Can Be Done?
The solution requires collective effort. Individuals, communities, and policymakers must work together to combat plastic pollution. Here are a few actionable steps:
- Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Opt for reusable alternatives to minimise waste.
- Proper Disposal: Ensure plastics are correctly recycled and not littered.
- Support Clean-Ups: Participate in or organise beach clean-up initiatives.
- Policy Advocacy: Encourage governments to implement stricter regulations on plastic production and waste management.
- Consumer Awareness: Spread knowledge about the impact of plastics and advocate for sustainable practices.
Works used:
National Geographic Study on Marine Pollution (Smith, 2021)
WWF Report on Microplastics (WWF, 2020)
European Environment Agency Report (EEA, 2019)
Ocean Cleanup Project Research (Slat et al., 2018)
Canary Islands Environmental Protection Agency Study (CIEPA, 2022)
Thank You!
You want to join the next beach clean-up? Check it here!
Or join our WhatsApp group to stay up to date on upcoming clean-ups, events, and initiatives. It’s not just about cleaning beaches, it’s about building a community of people who are driving cultural change for a more sustainable future. Together, we’ve already made a powerful impact, and with your help, we can do even more. Let’s keep the momentum going, protect our beaches, and preserve the natural beauty of Tenerife for generations to come. Stay tuned, stay green, and we hope to see you at the next beach clean-up!
If you want to get involved, here are some tips for your everyday life to prevent more plastic from ending up on the beautiful beaches:
Shop with a reusable bag instead of a plastic one.
Use bar soap instead of liquid hand soap.
When going for a picnic, eat off conventional tableware instead of disposable ones.
Do not use drinking straws.
And, if plastic is used, separate it when recycling (in the yellow bin)
Thank you
Thank you to everyone involved in this Canary Green project where our aim is to help promote sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands.
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